The transition from adolescence-to-adulthood is challenging in any society and culture. But for children living in extreme poverty, there are an overwhelming number of snares that increase poor choices and negative consequences that compromise a child’s future.The mission of Tanari Trust Ministry, located in Nairobi, “is to facilitate effective socialization of youth into responsible godly adults…through programs that stimulate encounters with God, others, the environment and oneself.” One of their programs is Creating Positive Relationships (CPR), a faith-based initiative designed to shape attitudes and increase knowledge about one of the most difficult issues in adolescent life - sexuality. CPR is abstinence-based, teaching that abstinence from sexual activity before marriage is both biblical and preferred for the physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual health of the individual.Tanari brings the CPR program to churches, schools and other community groups. However, they believe that the best-placed instructors are those who “are already in the community and know the needs and character of the youth.” So they offer a Training of Trainers course to teach adult youth workers to impact their own community. CPR provides training in appropriate curricula for youths ages 11-25.In April 2014 five Kwa Watoto teachers had the opportunity to attend a CPR training camp. At the camp, teachers were asked to pinpoint issues that influence the early onset of sexual practices in children in Mathare. Their list included:

• Poverty – Many children are exposed to the sexual act early simply because they live in one-room huts with adults. There are also predators who lure children into having sex with offers of a needed or desired item their family cannot afford.

• Drug abuse - Children in Mathare are exposed to drugs at very tender ages. Peer pressure, and other factors, increases the risk for drug abuse, which decreases inhibitions and increases the risk of sexual behavior. In addition, predators will intentionally give children drug-laced food or drink to make them easier prey.

• Violence – Domestic sexual violence, whether perpetrated upon the child or other family members, affects how a child views sexuality. Children may also be victims of sexual violence by strangers or someone familiar with the child. Sexual abuse may increase the risk of precocious sexual experimentation or violent copycat behavior.

• Lack of education – Many children are unaware of God’s purpose for the sexual union. They are exposed to incorrect information and inappropriate use of sexuality in the media and in their community.

• Death – Many parents die young, leaving their children orphaned. These children may lack the love, guidance, and protection of a responsible parent or guardian, making them increasingly vulnerable to all the above factors.

The teachers found that their personal insights into the premature sexual practices of children living in the Mathare slum lined up with that of CPR data for Kenyan children. The outcomes are predictable: Promiscuity, devastated self-esteem, early childbearing, underage marital unions, sexually transmitted diseases, particularly HIV/AIDS, decreased education, and increased poverty.The Kwa Watoto teachers gained in-depth knowledge about the risk factors and were trained to teach on the following topics:

• Sexuality—A wonderful gift from God
• Love and Infatuation
• Decision Making and Goal Setting
• Whole person maturity
• Choices we make and their consequences
• Abstinence and faithfulness in marriage
• Peer Pressure and Media Influence
• Appropriate friendship and sexual harassment
• AIDS and other STIs

Tanari staff followed-up with a visit to Kwa Watoto School for evaluation and support. Mr. Elijah Muli, Grade 6 teacher, says that he and other teachers feel more confident to teach about this subject with the information and tools provided by the CPR program.eduKenya works to protect the highly vulnerable children who attend Kwa Watoto by providing a safe and nurturing school environment. In addition, teaching our adolescent children a trustworthy perspective on sexuality may increase the likelihood that they will complete their education, providing them with an opportunity to break the chronic cycle of poverty and transform their lives and communities.